Firehouse Five Plus Two - Settin the World On Fire: The Whole Story, Vol. 1 CD

Settin the World On Fire: The Whole Story, Vol. 1 album for sale It was only fitting that the Firehouse Five Plus Two would eventually record at Disneyland, for all of its members had important day jobs at Disney. This CD reissue (which has the same music as the earlier LP) was the popular group's only truly live record, and they play a variety of often-rambunctious crowd pleasers. Highlights include a humorous version of "Anvil Stomp," "Lassus Trombone," "Coney Island Washboard" and "Tiger Rag." ~ Scott ...

Settin the World On Fire: The Whole Story, Vol. 1 CD music Five years after their previous recording, the Firehouse Five Plus Two came together for one last record date, celebrating their 20th anniversary as a group. This CD reissue has two numbers from 1966 ("Mame" and "Winchester Cathedral"), but is otherwise from 1969. Rather than emphasizing standards (only "High Society" qualifies as a true dixieland warhorse), the group chose to play more offbeat material, including jazz pop hits such as "Mame," "Hello Dolly," "Midnight In Moscow" and "Stranger on the Shore." For the only time, the frontline had two trumpets (Danny Alguire and Don Kinch) in addition to the group's leader, Ward Kimball, on trombone and George Probert on soprano, but the band's sound was unchanged. It was only fitting that since the Firehouse Five Plus Two's first record launched the Good Time Jazz label, its final set was the last release by the original label. ~ Scott Yanow Recorded between 1966 and 1969. Adapter: George Probert. Personnel: Bill Newman (banjo); George Probert (soprano saxophone); Don Kinch (trumpet); Danny Alguire (cornet); Ward Kimball (trombone); George Bruns (tuba); Frank Thomas, K.O. Eckland (piano); Eddie Forrest (drums). Audio Remasterer: Joe Tarantino. Liner Note Author: Lester Koenig. Recording information: Contemporary Records Studio, Los Angeles, CA (11/28/1966-10/08/1969); Contemporary's Studio, Los Angeles, CA (11/28/1966-10/08/1969). Photographer: Bret Lopez. Arrangers: Jan Burgers; George Probert; Kenny Ball. Personnel includes: Ward Kimball, George Bruns, Don Kinch, Danny Alguire, George Probert, K.O. Eckland, Frank Thomas, Bill Newman, Eddie Forrest.

Settin the World On Fire: The Whole Story, Vol. 1 buy CD music Between 1949-1969, the Firehouse Five Plus Two was one of the most popular Dixieland bands around. Recording steadily for the Good Time Jazz label, performing regularly in the Southern California area while wearing fireman outfits and gaining quite a bit of publicity, the group combined the fun of Dixieland with bits of corny but usually inspired humor. The year after what would be their final regular recording, Firehouse Five Plus Two appeared at Turk Murphy's Earthquake McGoon's in San Francisco; in 2005 a tape of their performances was released for the first time. It is a pity that it is not much better. The recording quality is OK, but the cornball humor really wears thin quickly and completely overshadows the music. In particular, trombonist-leader Ward Kimball is the main guilty party, utilizing duck calls (!) on at least three of the numbers for an excessive length of time. There are too many so-so vocals, soprano saxophonist George Probert apparently finds it impossible to play in tune, and the few worthwhile moments are brief and ruined by extra musical effects. This set is only for completists of the band. Anyone else is advised to pick up a sampling of their Good Time Jazz recordings. ~ Scott Yanow Recorded live on April 17th and 18th, 1970 in San Francisco, this album features the original Firehouse 5 plus 2: Ward Kimball, Danny Alguire, George Probert, K.O. Eckland, Billy Newman, Bob Short and Eddie Forrest. Songs on this 14 track CD include At T